The moment is optimal to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.

"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.

"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.

"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."

Availability Issues Continue

With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Role Endures

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Return Schedule for Injured Players

While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.